A technique facilitates the production of acoustic pulses used in marine seismic surveys. A source array system comprises a plurality of acoustic sources suspended from a float in a plurality of layers positioned at different vertical levels. A bridle is coupled to the plurality of layers to enable towing of the source array system. The bridle is constructed and connected in a manner such that the arrangement of acoustic sources substantially retains its nominal shape during towing.
|
15. A method, comprising:
suspending a plurality of acoustic sources from a float in a plurality of layers that are vertically separated to form an acoustic source array;
coupling a bridle to the plurality of layers; and
connecting a towline to the bridle at a location that will retain a desired shape of the acoustic source array when towed.
9. A system, comprising:
a plurality of acoustic sources suspended from a float in two layers positioned at two different vertical levels;
a tow line; and
a bridle having: a first bridle line connected between an end portion of the tow line and an upper layer of the two layers; and a second bridle line connected between the end portion and a lower layer of the two layers, the bridle being arranged so that pulling on the tow line forces the end portion of the towline to a vertical level between the different vertical levels of the two layers.
19. A method, comprising:
constructing an acoustic source array with a float layer, a first acoustic source layer suspended from the float layer at a vertical distance D1 below the float layer, and a second acoustic source layer suspended below the first acoustic source layer at a vertical distance D2 below the first acoustic source layer, wherein D1 and D2 are non-zero values;
coupling bridle lines to the first acoustic source layer and the second acoustic source layer; and
joining opposite ends of the bridle lines at a tow point horizontally disposed from the first and second acoustic source layers and vertically positioned a distance E1 below the level of the first acoustic source layer and a distance E2 above the level of the second source layer, wherein E1 and E2 are non-zero values that sum to equal D2.
1. A system used to produce acoustic pulses for a marine seismic survey, comprising:
an acoustic source array system having:
a float;
a first layer of acoustic sources suspended below the float;
a second layer of acoustic sources suspended below the first layer; and
a bridle having a first bridle line and a second bridle line together at a tow connection end, the first bridle line extending from the tow connection end to the first layer and the second bridle line extending from the tow connection end to the second layer, wherein the lengths of the first bridle line and the second bridle line are selected such that pulling the source array by the tow connection end forces the tow connection end to a vertical level below the vertical level of the first layer and above the vertical level of the second layer.
2. The system as s recited in
5. The system as recited in
6. The system as recited in
7. The system as recited in
8. The system as recited in
10. The system as recited in
11. The system as recited in
12. The system as recited in
13. The system as recited in
14. The system as recited in
16. The method as recited in
17. The method as recited in
18. The method as recited in
20. The method as recited in
21. The method as recited in
22. The method as recited in
23. The method as recited in
|
In a variety of marine environments, seismic surveys are conducted to gain a better understanding of geological formations beneath a body of water. Relatively large marine regions can be surveyed by a surface vessel or vessels towing seismic streamer cables through the water. Another vessel, or the same vessel, can be employed in providing seismic sources, such as compressed air guns utilized to generate acoustic pulses in the water. The seismic sources can be arranged in source arrays. In some applications, for example, air guns are suspended from a float and towed behind a seismic vessel. During towing, however, drag forces on the source array deform the shape of the array which can be detrimental to obtaining accurate seismic data.
Currently, a common technique for creating seismic source arrays is to position all the guns at one layer and to suspend the guns from a float. A tow rope extending from the towing vessel is coupled directly to the gun array. In other applications, the tow rope is connected directly to the float or float layer. In either application, the source array deforms substantially during towing.
Attempts also have been made to construct source arrays with the guns arranged in layers separated vertically. However, the towing of multilayered gun arrays tends to be far more complex than towing a single gun layer. Depending on how towing ropes and distance ropes are arranged, the shape of the source array can be severely distorted during towing relative to its nominal position. The towing shape is substantially altered due to the drag forces exerted by the water against the source array.
In general, the present invention provides a methodology and system for the production of acoustic pulses used in marine seismic surveys. Generally, a source array system is created by a plurality of acoustic sources suspended from a float in a plurality of layers positioned at different vertical levels. The source array system comprises a bridle coupled to the plurality of layers to enable towing of the source array system by a suitable tow line. The bridle is constructed and connected in a manner such that the arrangement of acoustic sources substantially retains a desired shape during towing.
Certain embodiments of the invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:
In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.
The present invention generally relates to a technique for improving the production of acoustic pulses used in marine seismic surveys. The technique enables retention of a desired shape of a towed configuration, such as retention of the nominal shape of a towed source array with separated vertical layers of acoustic sources. A bridle is connected to the layers of acoustic sources in a manner that facilitates retention of the desired shape of the source array when towed.
In many applications, the towed configuration comprises a gun array with two vertically separated layers. The present technique enables the system to be towed at varying towing velocities while retaining the desired shape of the source array. The tow line is connected to the gun array by the bridle which connects to the individual layers of acoustic sources at the front of one or more gun arrays.
Referring generally to
One example of acoustic source array system 22 is illustrated in
The first layer 38 of acoustic sources 34 may be suspended from float 36 by generally upright lines 42 that may be formed from suitable ropes, cables, or other types of suspension lines. The generally upright lines 42 can be individual lines or groups of lines connected between float 36 and the acoustic sources 34 of first layer 38. The second layer 40 of acoustic sources 34 also may be suspended from float 36 by generally upright lines 42. For example, the second layer 40 may be suspended by lines 42 that are connected between the acoustic sources 34 of first layer 38 and the acoustic sources 34 of second layer 40. Additionally, the acoustic sources 34 of each layer 38, 40 can be connected by generally horizontal/distance lines 44. Similar to upright lines 42, the generally horizontal lines 44 may comprise flexible lines formed of suitable ropes, cables, or other types of appropriate connector lines. The generally horizontal lines 44 can be positioned to horizontally align acoustic sources 34 of the upper layer 38 and to horizontally align acoustic sources 34 of the lower layer 40.
In the embodiment illustrated, bridle 32 is connected to first layer 38 and to second layer 40 by a first bridle line 46 and a second bridle line 48, respectively. Bridle lines 46, 48 can be formed as flexible lines of suitable rope, cable, or other lines able to withstand the towing forces. The bridle lines 46, 48 have connection ends 50 by which the bridle 32 is connected to a forward (or front) end of acoustic source array 30. For example, connection ends 50 can be coupled to the leading acoustic source 34 of each acoustic source layer 38, 40. The opposite ends of bridle lines 46, 48 are connected together at a tow connection end 52 which, in turn, is coupled to tow line 28.
The arrangement of bridle 32 can be described with reference to a coordinate system in which a z-axis is the vertical axis and an x-axis is a horizontal axis that extends back along the length of acoustic source array 30. As illustrated, the layers 38 and 40 lie at different vertical levels along the z-axis. For example, first layer 38 is located at a first vertical level 54 disposed below float 36, and second layer 40 is located at a second vertical level 56 below the first vertical level. The distance between float 36 and first layer 38 is a non-zero value that can be defined as D1, and the distance between first layer 38 and second layer 40 is a non-zero value that can be defined as D2. The connection ends 50 of bridle 32 are joined to the acoustic source array 30 at the vertical levels 54 and 56.
The tow connection end 52 of bridle 32 is disposed ahead of acoustic source array 30 by a non-zero distance, defined as L2, along the x-axis. Additionally, the tow connection end 52 is located at a vertical level 58 below the first vertical level 54 and above the second vertical level 56. In other words, the lengths of first bridle line 46 and second bridle line 48 are selected such that upon towing of acoustic source array 30, the tow connection end 52 automatically moves to the desired vertical level 58 between the vertical levels of first layer 38 and second layer 40. Consequently, the end of tow line 28 connected to bridle 32 also moves to the desired vertical level 58. The vertical distance between first vertical level 54 and vertical level 58 of tow connection end 52 can be defined as E1. Similarly, the vertical distance between second vertical level 56 and vertical level 58 of tow connection end 52 can be defined as E2. The vertical distances to tow connection end 52 establish the equation: E1+E2=D2. Additionally, the position of second layer 40 along the z-axis is less than the z-axis position of tow connection end 52 which is less than the z-axis position of first layer 38.
The arrangement of bridle 32 ensures that acoustic source array 30 retains its desired, e.g. nominal, shape while being towed by surface vessel 26. The coupling of connection ends 50 to first layer 38 and second layer 40, respectively, while joining the opposite ends of the bridle lines generally at a common point (located at the vertical and horizontal positions described above) prevents disruption of acoustic source array shape during towing and operation of the acoustic source array. As a result, more accurate data can be obtained during marine seismic surveys.
Referring generally to
The type of components utilized and the overall structure of acoustic source array system 22 may be varied from one seismic survey application to another. For example, the number of acoustic sources 34 in each layer 38, 40 can vary, and the structure, size, and type of acoustic sources can be selected according to the parameters of a given application. For example, the acoustic sources 34 may comprise air guns that are arranged individually or in clusters. As illustrated in the embodiment of
With further reference to
Depending on the specific seismic survey application, the acoustic source array system 22 also may comprise one or more acoustic source arrays 30. In the example illustrated in
The examples discussed above are just a few of the possible acoustic source array system 22 configurations that benefit from the incorporation of bridles for controlling the tow point location as discussed above. In addition to variation in the number and arrangement of acoustic sources, the system may utilize a variety of floats and float layers. Many types of connection lines also can be used to connect acoustic sources with each other and with the float. The lower layer of acoustic sources may be suspended from other acoustic sources and/or the float layer. Additionally, the vertical distance between acoustic source layers as well as the horizontal distance between acoustic sources may be different from one seismic survey application to another.
Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this invention. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10302783, | Oct 15 2014 | PGS Geophysical AS | Compliance chambers for marine vibrators |
10473803, | Feb 08 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Marine seismic vibrators and methods of use |
10488536, | Sep 20 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Air-spring compensation in a piston-type marine vibrator |
10488542, | Dec 02 2014 | PGS Geophysical AS | Use of external driver to energize a seismic source |
10670747, | Sep 20 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Piston integrated variable mass load |
10890680, | Dec 02 2014 | PGS Geophysical AS | Use of external driver to energize a seismic source |
11181652, | Oct 15 2014 | PGS Geophysical AS | Compliance chambers for marine vibrators |
8924158, | Aug 09 2010 | WesternGeco LLC | Seismic acquisition system including a distributed sensor having an optical fiber |
9075166, | May 11 2011 | CGGVERITAS SERVICES SA | Compact broadband source and method |
9316754, | Aug 09 2010 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Seismic acquisition system including a distributed sensor having an optical fiber |
9322945, | Mar 06 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | System and method for seismic surveying using distributed sources |
9341725, | Sep 20 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Piston integrated variable mass load |
9360574, | Sep 20 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Piston-type marine vibrators comprising a compliance chamber |
9389327, | Oct 15 2014 | PGS Geophysical AS | Compliance chambers for marine vibrators |
9507037, | Sep 20 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Air-spring compensation in a piston-type marine vibrator |
9588242, | Oct 15 2014 | PGS Geophysical AS | Compliance chambers for marine vibrators |
9612347, | Aug 14 2014 | PGS Geophysical AS | Compliance chambers for marine vibrators |
9618637, | Sep 20 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Low frequency marine acoustic vibrator |
9645264, | May 07 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Pressure-compensated sources |
9671511, | Aug 31 2012 | CGG SERVICES SA | Horizontal streamer broadband marine seismic acquisition configuration and processing |
9864080, | May 15 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Gas spring compensation marine acoustic vibrator |
9864085, | May 11 2011 | CGG SERVICES SAS | Compact broadband source and method |
9995834, | May 07 2013 | PGS Geophysical AS | Variable mass load marine vibrator |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
3840845, | |||
3952281, | Nov 24 1972 | Texaco Inc. | Method of marine reflection-type seismic exploration |
4648082, | Mar 04 1985 | INPUT OUTPUT, INC | Marine acoustic gradient sensor |
4686660, | Nov 25 1981 | Geophysical Company of Norway A/S | Assembly for use in seismic surveys of the sea bed |
4693336, | Aug 18 1982 | Horizon Exploration Limited | Underwater seismic testing |
4721180, | Nov 26 1986 | WESTERNGECO, L L C | Marine seismic source array |
4935903, | May 30 1989 | WESTERNGECO, L L C | Reinforcement of surface seismic wavefields |
4937793, | May 30 1989 | WESTERNGECO, L L C | Processing method for marine seismic surveying utilizing dual streamers |
4958328, | Jul 24 1989 | Texaco Inc. | Marine walkaway vertical seismic profiling |
4970697, | Oct 06 1989 | Amoco Corporation | Vertical marine seismic array |
4992991, | Oct 31 1988 | Exxon Production Research Company | Marine seismic receiving system employing multiple depth hydrostreamer cable |
5046057, | Dec 10 1982 | Shell Oil Company | Marine streamer cable |
5113377, | May 08 1991 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Receiver array system for marine seismic surveying |
5148406, | May 31 1989 | GECO A S , A CORP OF NORWAY | Method for simultaneous collection of seismic data from shallow and deep targets |
5469404, | Nov 12 1992 | Method and apparatus for seismic exploration | |
5517463, | Oct 21 1994 | Exxon Production Research Company | Method of determining optimal seismic multistreamer spacing |
5973995, | Dec 08 1994 | Geco A.S. | Method of and apparatus for marine seismic surveying |
6028817, | Dec 30 1997 | WESTERNGECO, L L C | Marine seismic system with independently powered tow vehicles |
6088299, | Dec 04 1998 | Syntron, Inc. | Vertical hydrophone array |
6256090, | Jul 31 1997 | LXSIX SYSTEMS, INC | Method and apparatus for determining the shape of a flexible body |
6256589, | Dec 03 1999 | Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras | Method for the measurement of multidirectional far-field source signatures from seismic surveys |
6327537, | Jul 19 1999 | Multi-shooting approach to seismic modeling and acquisition | |
6477470, | Dec 01 2000 | PGS AMERICAS, INC | Method and system for deghosting |
6493636, | Nov 05 1998 | Shell Oil Company | Method of marine seismic exploration utilizing vertically and horizontally offset streamers |
6529445, | Mar 22 1999 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Method of reducing effects of a rough sea surface on seismic data |
6618321, | Apr 13 2000 | CGG Marine | Method for simulating streamer positioning, and for navigation aid |
6654694, | Dec 01 2000 | PGS America, Inc. | Method and system for evaluating quality of deghosted seismic data |
6691038, | Jun 15 2001 | WESTERNGECO, L L C | Active separation tracking and positioning system for towed seismic arrays |
6694909, | Aug 08 2002 | The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy | Hydraulic activated toroidal aperture generation system |
6747913, | Dec 01 2000 | PGS Americas, Inc. | Method and system for deghosting |
6775618, | Mar 22 1999 | SVI HOTEL CORPORATION | Method and system for reducing effects of sea surface ghost contamination in seismic data |
6961284, | Apr 03 2000 | WESTERNGECO L L C | Source array for use in marine seismic exploration |
7047898, | Jan 24 2001 | PETROLEUM GEO-SERVICES AG | System for controlling streamers |
20060176775, | |||
20080022913, | |||
20090050044, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Feb 06 2008 | BERSTAD, ARE JOHAN | WESTERNGECO L L C | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 022465 | /0122 | |
Mar 27 2009 | WesternGeco L.L.C. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Apr 15 2015 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Jun 24 2019 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Dec 09 2019 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Nov 01 2014 | 4 years fee payment window open |
May 01 2015 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 01 2015 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Nov 01 2017 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Nov 01 2018 | 8 years fee payment window open |
May 01 2019 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 01 2019 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Nov 01 2021 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Nov 01 2022 | 12 years fee payment window open |
May 01 2023 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 01 2023 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Nov 01 2025 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |